Because so many Americans have high blood pressure (almost one in three, according to the CDC), there’s a dangerous tendency to play it down. For some, part of the problem may be a familiarity with the term without a full understanding of why it’s so serious. Basically, high blood pressure (or hypertension) means that your heart is pumping blood through your arteries so forcefully that over time it can cause major damage, weakening or causing tiny tears in the arteries. This can cause them to rupture or create buildup and blockage issues, leading to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other major problems.
When it comes to high blood pressure, prevention is the best cure—much more so than trying to manage an already high blood pressure with drugs. Taking steps to prevent or reduce blood pressure naturally can include getting regular exercise, reducing sodium and alcohol consumption, getting proper rest, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding stressful situations. In addition, there’s a supplement that you might want to add to your regimen that may help you manage your blood pressure.